Seven-year veteran offensive lineman Alex Cappa could have a new team in 2025, as a report by Paul Dehner of The Athletic suggests the Cincinnati Bengals could cut him following his disappointing season. Starting and appearing in all 17 games despite battling injuries, Cappa finished the season with an uninspiring 50.5 PFF grade, the 72nd-best mark out of 77 eligible players. Now entering the final year of his contract, Cincinnati can save $8 million by releasing him and use a portion of that money to retain star wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Cutting Alex Cappa makes all the sense in the world for the Bengals, but the veteran should land on his feet. While the 2024 season was rough, it’s safe to assume injuries played a role in his poor performance. Cappa originally earned a starting job in 2019 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has routinely been one of the league’s better guards. While he’s no superstar, a healthy version of Cappa could start for multiple teams. The veteran will probably land a one-year, prove-it contract once cut, and the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers could help him re-establish his value.
Bengals Projected to Cut Alex Cappa – Could Sign With Saints, Chargers
Despite hiring a head coach, the New Orleans Saints are poised to restructure contracts and put their chips in the center of the table. General Manager Mickey Loomis does not believe in rebuilding, which means he’ll have to sign several medium-risk, high-reward free agents to fill the gaping holes on this roster. Quarterback Derek Carr isn’t going anywhere, which means the team must build a roster capable of supporting a starting-caliber quarterback who cannot elevate a flawed unit.
The biggest issue on the team is the offensive line. First-round pick Taliese Fuaga played well as a rookie and Erik McCoy is an above-average center, but the rest of the unit needs work. Cesar Ruiz had the best season of his career, but the other guard position is open for competition. Assuming the Bengals cut him, Alex Cappa should win the second starting guard position and provide some much-needed security along the interior offensive line. If New Orleans can find a right tackle, they should have an adequate offensive line in 2025.
Winning In the Trenches
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh selected offensive tackle Joe Alt over wide receiver Malik Nabers because he believes games are won and lost in the trenches. While the Chargers have one of the game’s elite tackle duos, their interior offensive line needs some help. Bradley Bozeman should return at center and Zion Johnson isn’t going anywhere, but the right guard position is up for grabs. Trey Pipkins is a probable cut candidate himself, and Cappa should be an upgrade.
If Alex Cappa can return to form, the Los Angeles Chargers should have a top-five offensive line in 2025. This elite blocking combined with Justin Herbert’s playmaking potential and a free agent wide receiver will likely create one of the league’s most dominant offenses. Last year was all about fixing Brandon Staley’s mess. Now, it’s time for the team to fix their remaining flaws and legitimately compete for a Super Bowl. Armed with over $63 million in cap space, the team has the financial resources to bolster their roster and challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for divisional supremacy.
Main Photo: Albert Cesare – USA Today Sports
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